Time is a very precious commodity and this becomes more apparent as the aging process unravels. I find it hard to believe that Dad passed away two years ago, 02.08.16, and I'd said to Benno, at the funeral service, each one that you attend takes you one step closer to the front of the queue! It's a very sobering thought that the road in front is far shorter than the one behind. Hey ho - it's reality and something that everyone has to confront. Oh the joys of getting old! Am I any wiser; or do I live for the moment and take each day as it comes?
At 09.00 hrs, on Thursday, I had my annual company medical. That Fuji are happy to provide such check-ups has more to do with insurance (me driving fork lifts) than any concern for my well-being. However, I am very grateful for this provision as it was the company doctor that diagnosed my arthritis and ensured my duties were adjusted in order to manage this ailment. Joy of joys - I'm now also suffering from sciatica, my right leg completely numb and lower back a constant nagging pain. Whoopee - doo! The poor girl, charged with my medical assessment, didn't stand a chance! She is a technician, a computer operator, who does what the system tells her. She logged in and immediately asked for my phone number. "You what?" Why do you need my number? "If you have any health problems we'll be able to contact you" "FUCK OFF! - If I have health problems I'll seek medical advice, not a computer operator" She was seamless - OK, I understand - do you have an E-mail address? Bloody priceless if it wasn't for real. A medical conducted by computer - there are many advantages to this digital revolution - medical diagnosis ain't part of it. From my tone you'll understand that this process didn't proceed very smoothly - but I passed the company MOT and will still be able to use the fork lifts, and other machinery, for another year. It's a fantastic place to be when I go to work because I want to and not have to. Both my supervisors are in no doubt that my resignation letter will be two fingers and I ain't coming back! Don't like it - what's the alternative? If ever the day dawns and I no longer feel enthused about going into the factory then I'll walk away - easy as that. All being well, it will be December 2021 when I call it a day and, Fuji will have to put up with this cantankerous old git until I've had enough?
Out fishing tonight, got wasted yesterday in the thunderstorms, but have a 36 hour window in which to catch a carp. The change in the weather will be a positive, am I able to make the best of it? Time will tell - Dyl
Who am I?
- Dylan Wrathall
- An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!
I'd have been gone months ago Dyl.
ReplyDeleteBest if I leave it at that.
Ric,
DeleteI am a very lucky guy in as much as I enjoy my job and need the discipline of going to work to avoid me becoming a complete twat! I'm not too sure how I'll cope with retirement - not very well is my gut feel. All the best - Dyl
I'm going through the same! It can affect your fishing too, those roving with a rod days are gone for me, but all is not lost! I have just changed and adapted to an "old gits" way of fishing, and thank god still having fun with fishing and nature.
ReplyDeleteWhere there's a will there's a way! We all have to adapt our ways as the aging process kicks in. I think the secret is to lower your expectations and concentrate on the enjoyment of your involvement with our natural world. Thanks for taking time to comment - Dylan
DeleteI enjoy the same sciatica problems - regular numbness down the left leg and a dull ache in the left lower back. Basically just a matter of ignoring it as best as I can, like the arthritis in my feet.
ReplyDeleteArthritis in my feet - now there's something to look forward to? It's no joke getting old, but certainly more to my liking than the alternative scenario. All the while I am able, I will continue to interact with the natural world and chase my dreams with rod, camera or binoculars. I said to one of my supervisors, just recently, "if I wake up one morning and don't ache I'll know I'm dead!" From my way of thinking it's all about enjoyment of the things that I can do, not moaning about the things that are now beyond my capabilities. Yes, of course I enjoyed playing football and, even, running(?) the London Marathon - I certainly harbour no desires to be able to do such things in 2018 and beyond; memories of my past and destined to remain as such - Dyl
DeleteI could elaborate Dyl, but in light of your positive views towards education and employment, I cannot without permission. I am but a mere guest in your house.
ReplyDeleteI can safely say that though I appear to be conventional, I'm far from it. My parents said I had a bad attitude and that I was a wrong un.
But I break no laws and I break no rules.
So what's the problem?
Ric,
DeleteOpinions that are contrary to my own are always welcome, as long as they are based on experience and not blind prejudice. It matters not what the subject, be it religion, education, employment, racism or anything else. My own opinions are based upon my own life and the family values that have been fundamental in my upbringing. It doesn't make me right and others mistaken because they disagree with my slant on the world.
The wisdom of my father has encouraged me to remain true to my beliefs, be an individual and live my life to the full, yet recognize right and wrong and do my utmost to stay within the laws that govern civilized society. I would like to think that, for the most part, Dad would be happy with the way I've turned out. As you well know, I haven't always been an angel and there will have occasions when my parents despaired about the antics I got up to. Time is a great leveller and, just like mine, I'm sure your parents are happy with the way you've turned out? So, as I see it, there are no problems? - Dyl